Tucson could take over South Tucson trash collection

A new proposal would have the city of Tucson picking up residential trash in South Tucson by the end of the year on a permanent basis.

Tucson City Manager Michael Ortega confirmed he is working on an intergovernmental agreement with South Tucson to provide curbside trash service for its 1,200 residents.

Under the terms of the proposal, South Tucson residents would pay slightly more for the service than Tucson residents — an estimated $1.26 more a month. Tucson residents pay between $15 to $16.75 a month, depending on the size of their trash container.

The extra fee would cover additional costs, Ortega said, noting private companies have similar surcharges.

The 1.2-square-mile city first approached the city of Tucson about an agreement several weeks ago, he said.

South Tucson’s interim city manager, Veronica Moreno, declined to discuss the request.

Currently, South Tucson is leasing trucks and garbage cans from the city of Tucson to provide curbside trash service, with South Tucson employees collecting the garbage.

The proposal, if approved by both the Tucson and South Tucson City Councils, would be substantially more expensive for South Tucson’s residents.

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The last contractor, privately-owned Waste Management, was charging South Tucson residents as little as $4 a month for curbside service.

The garbage-hauling firm severed ties with South Tucson in August in a dispute over an estimated $300,000 in unpaid fees.

While South Tucson disputes the terms, Waste Management stated in court documents that the city agreed in a November 2011 contract to make up any difference if residential revenue fell below projections.

Tucson Councilman Steve Kozachik said it makes sense for Tucson to take over residential trash service, noting the city has resources to absorb the estimated 1,200 customers.

“We have the capacity,” Kozachik said, calling the route the equivalent of a large neighborhood.

Businesses and apartment complexes in South Tucson would be unaffected by the proposal, as they have private agreements with Waste Management.

Other area towns, including Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita, have residents contract directly with private trash haulers for curbside service.